NewsWare's Trade Talk: Wednesday, December 18

S&P Futures are positive this morning with multiple catalysts ahead. The key economic event today will be the FOMC announcement on monetary policy where a 25-basis point cut is expected. The latest dot plot data will be released which will likely show fewer and slower rate cuts in 2025. Powells press conference will likely be a source of market volatility. Congressional leaders reached a deal on government funding. Earnings reports after the bell today from MU, LEN, MKLN & SCS. Honda and Nissan are said to be exploring a merger. Post Holdings announces a deal for Potato Product of Idaho making a deal for Lamb Weston unlikely. Mastercard unveils new $12B stock buyback program. In Europe stocks trading higher and oil prices are displaying gains as the EU & the UK place sanctions tankers being used to transport Russian oil.